THE PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO CONSERVING AND … · Florida, fundraise and support local chapter leadership. And with more involvement from our state chapters, comes more positive

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18 T H E P U B L I C A T I O N D E D I C A T E D T O C O N S E R V I N G A N D P R O T E C T I N G F L O R I D A ’ S M A R I N E R E S O U R C E S

CCA Florida STAR: New Divisions. New Prizes. More Ways to Win. A Natural

Partnership: Maverick Boat Group and CCA Florida

Landmark Legislation to Benefit Saltwater Anglers Advances

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T H E P U B L I C AT I O N D E D I C AT E D T O C O N S E R V I N G A N D P R O T E C T I N G F L O R I D A ’ S M A R I N E R E S O U R C E Scontents

STAR Brings New Opportunities To Win | 12

top comments ..........................................4advocacy news .........................................6around the state ..................................... 11STAR news ............................................. 12habitat horizon ....................................... 14picture it .............................................. 28FWC .................................................... 31CCA banquet schedule .............................. 32sponsor spotlight ..................................... 34

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features

SeaWatch is published three times a year by CCA Florida, a nonprofit state affiliate of the Coastal Conservation Association.

Editorial/business inquiries and information requests: Dan Askin,P.O. Box 568886, Orlando, Florida, 32856-8886 407-854-7002

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CCA Florida, P.O. Box 568886, Orlando, Florida, 32856-8886

407-854-7002 • ccaflorida.org

Managing EditorTeresa Donaldson

EditorTed Forsgren

Creative DirectorDebbie DewellGreat Minds, Inc.850-386-7401

PrinterDurraprint, Tallahassee

CCA FLORIDA STAFFBrian Gorski Executive Director

Dan Askin Chief Operating Officer

Trip Aukeman Director of Advocacy

Frank Gidus Director of Habitat & Environmental Restoration

Teresa Donaldson Director of Communications

Ted Forsgren Special Advisor Advocacy

Adam Miller Senior Regional Director

Nick Pectol Regional Director

Zack Batley Regional Director

Amy Kuehnert Regional Director

Amanda Krpan Regional Director

Jeffrey Dobbertien Regional Director

Miriam Askin Executive Assistant/ Membership Coordinator

Leiza Fitzgerald STAR Director

Andrea Gillespie STAR Assistant Director

departments

Doubling Down: Volusia County’s Newest Artificial Reef | 11

A Natural Partnership: Maverick Boat Group and CCA Florida | 20

PEFC – Program for the Endorsements of Forest CertificationRecycled 10%. FSC Certified. The Forest Stewardship Council.

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starting point

Brian GorskiExecutive Director

CCA Florida

We’re off to an extremely busy beginning to

2018 and we’re excited for our plans to con-

tinue making a positive impact on our state’s

marine resources and fisheries! We’re also

looking forward to growing our membership

and engaging our existing members in this ex-

citing work.

In February, our team spent time in Tallahas-

see, meeting with elected state leadership and

sharing the CCA Florida and STAR messages.

And we’re going to be a part of more local and

community events this year, than ever before.

We are absolutely dedicated to the cause and

our actions speak louder than words.

We have a team of Regional Directors who

work around the state to engage members,

host events and introduce the public to CCA

Florida, fundraise and support local chapter

leadership. And with more involvement from

our state chapters, comes more positive out-

comes for recreational anglers throughout the

state.

We’re looking to our members to step

up in 2018 and work alongside our team to

broaden our reach, support more local efforts,

create new habitat, grow our membership

base, introduce more youth to fishing, and the

list goes on. We can’t do what we do without

you, and we’re honored to work with you to

create a better Florida for tomorrow! top

com

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tsMoving Forward

Better TogetherRon CrowderChairman

As I step into the role of Chairman in 2018, I’m excited and honored to work alongside each of you this year, and I’m grateful for your role in helping us achieve so much in recent years. From major successes in habitat creation and restoration, to our collective voice and involvement in fish-eries management and water quality, I am reminded that we haven’t gotten here alone.

For more than 33 years, CCA Florida has been an ad-vocate for the rights of recreational anglers throughout the state. With you - our members - we’ve grown to support habitat creation and restoration initiatives, coordinate coast-al cleanups, and establish events to engage even the youngest anglers. And all the while, we’ve continued to be your voice in Tallahassee and beyond. We’re continuing this tradition and dedication to the cause, as well as elevating other programs this year, but we cannot do it alone. In fact, we’re better to-gether.

We are a collective voice, and it’s powerful. Your involve-ment is critical to advancing the rights of anglers everywhere and we want to engage all of our members to elevate their membership this year. If you’ve only been to a banquet, step up and serve on the committee for your local chapter. If you’ve planned your share of events, join us for a volunteer habitat project. And if you’ve been to habitat events, join with us in reaching out to state elected leadership on issues that affect your interests.

There’s an opportunity for every member to get involved, and we’ll help you find the right one where you can have the biggest impact. Reach out to us and let’s talk. Or visit us online. We appreciate your membership and we’re honored to serve you and this community.

Log on to ccaflorida.org and choose from our regionalized directory of Florida guides who support CCA’s conservation initiatives.

Looking For A Guide?


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Senate Commerce Committee Passes Landmark Legislation with Bipartisan Support

On February 28th, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation overwhelm-ingly approved S. 1520, the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017 (Modern Fish Act). This legislation calls for critically important updates to the oversight of federal fisheries, includ-ing adding more tools to the management toolbox, improving data collection techniques, and examining some fishery allocations that are based on decades-old decisions.

The Modern Fish Act was introduced in the Sen-ate in July 2017 by Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.). It has since received strong bipartisan support from 12 cosponsors represent-ing coastal and non-coastal states alike. In addition, a broad coalition of organizations representing the saltwater recreational fishing and boating community has endorsed the Modern Fish Act and highlighted the importance of updating the nation’s fisheries management system to more accurately distinguish between recreational and commercial fishing.

“The bipartisan leadership on display today in the Senate Commerce Committee will not soon be for-gotten by America’s 11 million saltwater recreational anglers,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy. “We want to thank our many champions in Congress, particularly Sens. Wicker and Nelson, for recognizing the need for serious re-forms to the broken federal fisheries management

system. We look forward to working with congres-sional leaders in both chambers to get this legislation across the finish line.”

Through years of deliberation, the priorities of the recreational fishing and boating community were identified and presented to federal policy makers by the Commission on Saltwater Recreational Fisher-ies Management. This group is also referred to as the Morris-Deal Commission, named for co-chairs Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops, and Scott Deal, president of Maverick Boat Group. In 2014, the Morris-Deal Commission released “A Vi-sion for Managing America’s Saltwater Recreational Fisheries,” which included six key policy changes to expand saltwater recreational fishing’s social, eco-nomic and conservation benefits to the nation.

Many recommendations of the Morris-Deal Commission are addressed by the legislation passed today by the Senate Commerce Committee.

“Today’s action by the Commerce Committee is further evidence that Congress recognizes the eco-nomic and societal impact that recreational saltwater fishing has on our nation,” said Mike Nussman, presi-dent and CEO of the American Sportfishing Associa-tion. “There are 11 million saltwater anglers in the U.S. who have a $63 billion economic impact annually and generate 440,000 jobs. We applaud the Senate Commerce Committee for taking this important step and call for the full Senate to quickly take action on this legislation.”

“For too long, the federal fisheries management system has limited access for America’s recreation-al anglers and boaters due to faulty data and mis-guided regulations, which in turn has jeopardized the

Modern Fish Act Takes Major Step Toward Becoming Law


economic vitality of the recreational boating industry,” said Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manu-facturers Association. “On behalf of the estimated 650,000 workers the recreational boating industry supports, we are eager to continue working with our allies in both chambers of Congress to get this important legislation to the presi-dent’s desk.”

“The bipartisan vote taken by the Senate Commerce Committee today demonstrates the nation’s broad support for federal fisheries management reform,” said Patrick Mur-ray, president of Coastal Conservation Association. “We are proud to work with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to advance a common-sense policy that remains true to our conservation goals while promoting access to our nation’s healthy natural resources. We look forward to this important bill receiving quick consideration by the full Senate.”

“We thank Chairman Thune and Sens. Wicker and Nel-son, as well as the large bipartisan group of Modern Fish Act cosponsors, for their leadership on this issue,” said Jeff Crane, president of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Founda-tion. “The Modern Fish Act is a top priority for saltwater anglers across the United States and charts a clear course for effective recreational fisheries management. I encourage Congress to use the momentum from today’s Committee vote to secure quick passage in both chambers.”

“The Modern Fish Act represents five years’ worth of in-put from our community and will increase the level of trust between America’s 11 million saltwater anglers and federal

fisheries managers,” said Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “Rec-reational hunters and anglers have been at the forefront of resource conservation in this country for more than a centu-ry, and the Modern Fish Act gives recreational anglers an op-portunity to continue to lead in conservation by improving upon data collection and stock assessments. We’re extremely encouraged to see these updated management approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of recreational fishing, rather than forcing recreational seasons into a management scheme designed for commercial fisheries.”

“We owe great thanks to Senator Wicker for introduc-ing the Modern Fish Act to finally address the specific needs of recreational anglers under federal law,” said Jim Donofrio, president of the Recreational Fishing Alliance. “We want to thank Chairman John Thune and Ranking Member Bill Nelson for their leadership in bringing this important bill to a vote in the Commerce Committee today. The bipartisan spirit we are witnessing in this Committee is refreshing, and we look forward to final action by the full Senate and House.”

On December 13, 2017, the Modern Fish Act (H.R. 2023) was approved by the House Natural Resources Committee as part of H.R. 200.

Following the vote, the coalition encourages Senate lead-ership to quickly bring S. 1520 to the floor for final passage. Marine recreational anglers and boaters are eager to see this landmark legislation move through the House and Senate and signed into law.

NOAA Nominee Approved By Senate Committee

The nomination of Bar-ry Myers, President Donald Trump’s choice for Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, was advanced by the Senate Com-merce Committee in Decem-ber. Mr. Myers now needs final approval of the full Senate to assume the role. The posi-tion, otherwise known as the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-ministration (NOAA), is of extreme importance for all recreational anglers. Should he

be confirmed, Mr. Myers would be charged with leading all of NOAA, including it fisheries di-vision. NOAA Fisheries, better known as the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), is responsible for the productiv-ity and sustainability of all fed-eral fisheries. In Florida, this includes waters beyond three miles in the South Atlantic on the east coast, out 200 miles, as well as waters beyond nine miles in the Gulf of Mexico. NMFS operates under the mandates of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, and works in partnerships with the Regional Fishery Management Councils to assess and preserve U.S. fish stocks.

The NOAA lead role is espe-cially important now, given the pending passage of the Modern Fish Act, which requires fed-eral regulators to manage rec-reational fishing through a different lens, with an empha-sis on public access and conservation of all marine resources. The Center for Sportfishing Policy has endorsed Mr. Myers’ candidacy for this im-portant position.

angler’s voice

( c on t i nued on page 8 )

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‘Day on the Hill’ exposes state leaders to efforts by CCA Florida and its members to bring positive and meaningful change to Florida’s waterways and marine fisheries.

In February, leaders from CCA Florida headed to the state Capitol. The Day on the Hill was designed to allow CCA to demon-strate the vital role it plays in fisheries man-agement and habitat restoration initiatives to elected state leadership and members of the general public through an engaging exhibit during the annual legislative session.

Members from around the state joined

together to highlight our 33-year legacy in Florida, the economic importance of Florida’s recreational fishing industry, and our leadership in working with fisheries managers. It was also an opportunity to promote ongoing habitat creation and restoration efforts to support Florida’s marine resources.

Attendees also learned about other CCA activities in Florida, including CCA Florida STAR, presented by Yamaha, the largest family-friendly saltwater fishing competition in Florida.

Local Advocacy, Big Win

The controversial Oslo Road project in Indian River County has finally been stopped, thanks

in part to our members like you!CCA Florida would like to

thank Grant Gilmore, Jr. Ph.D., Capt. Paul Fafeita and the entire CCA Treasure Coast committee for leading the charge on this

critical issue. Read more on our website, ccaflorida.org/oslo, and see how local efforts make a big impact.

The Latest: Apalachicola River

The United States Supreme Court began hearing arguments in the Florida versus Georgia water usage lawsuit early this year. The case centers around

Florida’s efforts to mandate a statewide water usage cap for the state of Georgia in the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River basin.

We’re dedicated to remain-ing involved in this critical issue, given the importance fresh wa-ter inputs from the river have on multiple marine resources and habitat. Visit our website for more information.

Day on the Hill

“CCA

continues to

play an important

role in saltwater

fisheries man-

agement and

will always be

a strong voice

for recreational

anglers, and the

Day on the Hill

allows us to carry

this message to

the top, to our

elected state

leadership.”

Brian Gorski, Executive Director

Photo by Issac Lang for WaterKeeper.org


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Doubling Down!

CCA Florida (CCA) and CCA’s national habitat program, the Building Conservation Trust (BCT), recently donated $25,000 to Volusia County’s newest artificial reef. Two vessels will be deployed on the reef includ-ing the Lady Philomena, a 150-foot steel cargo ship, and the Everglades, a 90-foot steel tugboat. Both vessels were donated to the county for reefing by the U.S. Cus-toms and Border Protection Service after having been seized with contraband in the Miami River in early 2017. Both vessels will be deployed on Volusia County Reef Site 12 which is a 5,000’ x 5,000’ federally permit-ted reef construction area located approxi-mately nine miles northeast of Ponce de Leon Inlet in 75 feet of water in the sum-mer of 2018.

The $25,000 check was officially pre-sented to Volusia County during their coun-ty commission meeting in November 2017. According to Joe Nolin with Volusia County,

an estimated 1,368 anglers will visit Site 12 annually. An estimated 100+ SCUBA divers will visit Site 12 each year as well. Key sport fish species targeted at Site 12 include snap-per, grouper, flounder, cobia, king mackerel, amberjack, black sea bass, gray triggerfish, sheepshead, barracuda, mahi-mahi, tripletail and wahoo. Two to three additional reef deployments comprised of clean concrete culverts and structures will likely be made at Site 12 within five years to fill in and build out this reef construction area. After five years, reef deployments will be made in and around the specific steel ship and tug reef site to expand, re-nourish and ecologically reinvigorate the marine habitat. Four con-crete and limestone tetrahedrons were also permanently attached to the deck of the Lady Philomena to provide additional habitat and refuge for various fish species.

On November 11-12, 2017, Volusia County, BCT and CCA also organized a

large ship reefing open house event at the Down the Hatch Restaurant in Ponce In-let where both vessels were moored. The event was open to the public and everyone was invited to tour the vessels and sign their names on the interior of the ships. According to the county, a broad spectrum of citizens were reached during the two-day event - many of whom knew little about our organizations or artificial reefs. The county conservatively estimated that over 3,250 visitors toured the vessels during this two-day event.

The vessels are currently planned for a summer deployment in early June, and the final deployment date is contingent on weather conditions. CCA members and the public are invited to come out in their boats to watch the deployment. Please contact Frank Gidus at [email protected] to be included on the deployment up-date email list.

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Yamaha OutboardsContender BoatsMaverick Boat GroupConley Buick GMC in BradentonCarolina SkiffTextron Off RoadStumpnocker (Salty Boats)Salt Marsh SkiffBossman BoatsWest MarineCosta SunglassesEngel CoolersDiscover Crystal RiverVisit Space CoastPower PoleLIVETARGET LuresRolls Axle TrailerFlorida Sportsman MagazineLIVE Water SportsRoundabout WatercraftOcean GripPowerTech PropellersSunsect Bull Bay TackleFlorida Fishing Products

Our Youth Scholarship sponsors including:Academy Sports + OutdoorsBeall’s Reel Legends Performance ClothingSouth Eastern Environmental Solutions Talk of the Town Restaurant Group

And other companies who have supported the event and cause, including:Ocean Tamer Bean BagsHowler BrothersAnisa Stewart JewelryLuna SeaCalusa Cast NetJessica Ann ArtThrow RaftKnotty Tails Apparel

Stepping UpThis year, many long-time sponsors have seen the value that comes with STAR partnership and have increased their participation in the event. Maverick Boat Group has stepped up in a big way by providing addi-tional boats and bringing the Hewes line to the Tagged Redfish Division. Power Pole is the new Conserva-tion Division Sponsor.Engel Coolers is supporting the Freebie Friday Early Registration drawings.Sunsect Sunscreen and Insect Repellant is offering $1,500 as part of the first-place prize in the Costa Kick Plastic Trash Division.Body Glove is providing the second-place prize of an inflatable

fishing SUP in the Trash Division and a Stand-Up Paddleboard for the Live auction at the STAR Awards Banquet.

New For 2018Other outside companies have seen the value in the conservation message, collecting data, gather-ing garbage and introducing youth anglers to fishing, and are joining us for the 2018 STAR event.Cottonmouth Boats is donating an aluminum Bay/Flats skiff with a 115 Yamaha Outboard and custom trailer.Real Tree Fishing has come on board as the Official Camo pattern of STAR and CCA and will provide two $25,000 youth scholarships, one for 2018 and one for 2019. Johnson Outdoors has joined the STAR constellation of partners with the Humminbird, MinnKota, Cannon and Talon companies. Humminbird is the presenting sponsor of the New Tarpon Divi-sion, which offers a $10,000 prize package including a Humminbird Solix 10 and a MinnKota Terrova trolling motor. Another great company joining STAR this year is a subsidiary of

TH MARINE, Atlas Jack Plate, as the presenting sponsor of the NEW Non-Tagged Redfish Division, which offers a Salt Marsh Skiff as the first-place prize. For those targeting Tagged Redfish, the Punta Gorda Englewood Beach Visitors & Convention Bureau came aboard as the South West Destination County and will have two more tagged redfish than any other west coast county except for Citrus County. We have also added Fissot Sports with a motorized kayak as the first-place prize in the Power Pole Conservation Division and Kaku Kayaks as the first-place prize in the Kayak Division. For the Youth Scholarship Division, Pasco County Office of Tourism is sponsoring a $5,000 scholarship and Big Rock Sports and Clenzoil Marine Lubricant have both do-nated $500 towards scholarships.

2018 STAR will offer new divisions, new prizes and more ways to win, thanks to all of our partners and sponsors. Support companies who support conservation and join us in thanking these companies who make all the winning possible.

Super STAR PartnersConservation-minded companies join STAR

to advance CCA Florida efforts.The conservation message could not be shared, the collection of garbage would not be rewarded and youth anglers would not have the

opportunity to win scholarships in the STAR competition without the support of all of our corporate partners and sponsors. For the last several years, STAR has had loyal support from amazing STAR partners including:


CCA Florida STAR, presented by Yamaha, is back in 2018 with new divi-sions, new prizes and more opportuni-ties for anglers of all ages and experi-ences to walk away with prizes from a brand new truck or boat, motor and trailer packages to all-terrain vehicles, scholarships and more!

CCA Florida STAR is the largest family-friendly saltwater fishing compe-tition in Florida and runs 101-days from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day. Unlike traditional fishing tournaments, STAR focuses on conservation and the social media-based event educates the public on the importance of protecting Florida’s marine resources. Recognized as a ‘catch, photo and release’ competi-tion, STAR’s smart phone app eliminates the requirement for anglers to harvest or capture and transport fish.

New Details for the 2018 STAR Event

Kids – continued free registration for current New Tide Members (CCA members) ages 6 – 17.

Guides – new opportunities for guides to win in the Tagged Redfish and Tagged Dolphin Divisions.

Confirmed prizes in the signature Tagged Redfish Division include a Con-tender 22 Sport, a GMC Sierra, a Path-finder 2200 TRS, a Hewes Redfisher 16, a Carolina Skiff 21 Ultra and a Cotton-mouth Aluminum Bay/Flats boat, all pow-ered by Yamaha. Prizes for the first two youth anglers in this division include a Carolina Skiff 16JVX CC boat, powered with a Yamaha 40 HP motor and trailer.

New DivisionsTagged Dolphin Division (Mahi Mahi) – minimum of 20 tagged dol-phin will be released in state waters, with the first registered angler who catches one eligible to win $10,000 in

cash or scholarship.

Non-tagged Redfish Division presented by Atlas Jack Plate – even non-tagged redfish are eligible for prizes.

Grouper Division – prizes for en-tering either black, gag, red or scamp grouper.

Tarpon Division presented by Hummingbird – one winner of a $10,000 prize package will be determined by a random drawing of all catch photos entered in the drawing. Eligibility requirements include proper handling and resuscitation of the catch.

Other STAR DivisionsYouth Scholarship Division presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors – offer-ing over $100,000 in scholarships from Realtree Fishing, Southeastern Environmental Solutions, Reel Legends Performance Clothing and Talk of the Town Restaurant Group and Pasco County Office of Tourism.

Power-Pole Conservation and Costa Kick Plastic Trash Divi-sion – assisting with data collection for potential use in stock and habitat assessment, and helping with trash and debris collection.

Lionfish Division – helping with the removal of this invasive species.

Open, Ladies, Fly, Kayak and Professional Guides Divi-sions – targeting various species.

Most division winners are deter-mined by a random drawing, a format that encourages participants of all ages to protect and conserve Florida’s fish-eries for future generations.

For more information on STAR, or to register, visit the Facebook page or ccaflstar.com.

New Divisions, New Prizes, More Opportunities To Win

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Our newest habitat hero, JD Dickenson, has been involved in habitat restoration and many other aspects of CCA Florida for many years. JD was born in Boynton Beach and grew up in nearby Boca Raton. As a child, JD and his family spent a lot of time on and around the Northern Indian River Lagoon because his grandparents lived in Sebastian, Florida. “We spent our time fishing, crabbing and clam-ming in the Indian River. I grew up fishing South Florida inlets and offshore in Palm Beach County,” shared JD. He attended Lafayette College in Easton, PA and studied English, government and law. He came back to Florida to attend law school at Stetson University Col-lege of Law. His family (wife Maggie, daughter Sophia, 13 years old and son Henry, 11 years old) currently live in Delray Beach, FL and enjoy spending time together in the outdoors. JD particularly enjoys fishing in the coastal Everglades and in Charlotte Harbor.

To say JD is involved in CCA is a huge understatement! JD cur-rently serves as CCA Florida’s state Vice Chairman and Chairman of CCA Florida’s statewide Habitat Restoration Committee. He also recently served as President of CCA Florida and has been a local chapter president for the Palm Beach and later South Palm Beach chapters of CCA Florida. “I followed CCA Florida closely during the Net Ban campaign in the early 1990s. I was in college at the time and was already deeply addicted to Florida fishing and the outdoors. I was inspired by how committed, conservation-minded anglers were able to achieve such an enormous conservation benefit for the state,” he said. In addition to volunteering at CCA, he has also participated in a number of habitat restoration projects with the local Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Restoration.

We sat down with JD and asked him some important questions:

How did you get involved in habitat restoration and why?

“As CCA Florida has grown since the net ban, the conservation issues that we face in Florida have evolved. Florida is the fastest growing state and is now the third most populous state in America. No place on earth has been developed as rapidly as Florida over the last 80 years or so. The rapid population increase and associated development has had a marked impact on Florida’s marine resources and specifically marine habitat. Many CCA Florida volunteers before me began to move the organization in the direction of habitat res-

Meet JD Dickenson


toration, as a matter of necessity. In 2004, my fellow local chapter members and I were planting mangroves in the Lake Worth Lagoon in Palm Beach County. Then, key leaders within CCA Florida made the formal decision and the commitment to move CCA Florida into habitat advocacy and restoration. I co-founded CCA Florida’s statewide Habitat Restoration Committee and have chaired the committee since 2015.”

Are there any habitat restoration projects you would you like to see happen in the future? “As an organization, we are focused on making life better for

seagrasses in Florida. As FWRI has recently documented, Florida’s estimated 2.2 million acres of seagrasses provide a $20 billion dollar economic value to the state. Yet, with some exceptions, we are not doing a very good job of making life better for seagrasses in Florida. According to some estimates, Florida Bay has lost more than 10% of its turtle grass acreage in the past five years. The Indian River Lagoon, the Lake Worth Lagoon, and other key inshore areas have lost far more than that over the last 50 years. I am looking forward to the day when we can tackle comprehensive seagrass restoration all across the state. Imagine how ecologically and economically powerful four million acres of seagrass could be. As an organization, we are actively funding and participating in critical seagrass research to determine the nature of seagrass diseases, seagrass immunity to those diseases, and the environmental causes of mass seagrass die offs.

We have also been very active in artificial reefing projects all over the state. Coral reefs have suffered considerably over the past 50 years and much habitat has been lost. I hope to see CCA Florida continue to accelerate its artificial reef programs and be-come further engaged in solving the problems we have with loss of coral reef habitat.”

How do you envision CCA’s role in habitat restoration in the future?

“Thanks to the passion and commitment of its 18,000 members, CCA Florida, along with its national partner the Building Conser-vation Trust (CCA’s National Habitat Program), will be a leader in habitat restoration in Florida for many years to come. From oyster habitat in brackish estuaries, to nearshore reefs, to deep water arti-ficial reefs, CCA Florida has been involved in a wide variety of habi-tat restoration projects in Florida. I expect that this will continue to grow as CCA Florida grows.

I also envision CCA Florida continuing to become an active par-

ticipant in key scientific and academic habitat initiatives. We are currently funding and participating in a key seagrass disease and res-toration study, a long term oyster reefing study, and an important acoustic fisheries study that seeks to identify critical spawning ag-gregations of spotted seatrout. CCA Florida hopes this acoustic methodology can be transferred across species and across the state in order to locate critical spawning habitat for many fish species in order to specifically protect that habitat.

I expect that CCA Florida will stay involved with these and other critical habitat related studies for many years to come. As part of its collective habitat and water quality commitment, CCA Florida has stepped up its partnerships with respected research and academic institutions in the areas of habitat restoration and research. We have partnered with groups like the Florida Oceanographic Society, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Tampa Bay Watch, and Marine Discovery Center, and enjoy productive partnerships with numerous Florida academic institutions. These include long-term re-lationships with the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida, the University of North Florida and Florida Gulf Coast Uni-versity, among others. These partnerships connect anglers with the brightest and most committed researchers and also engage students and academics with CCA Florida’s angler conservation ethic.”

What is your personal favorite salt water species to fish for and why?

“It is hard to pick just one, but I love sight fishing for redfish and snook in the coastal Everglades. I love all of its secret bays, creeks, and winding river systems. It remains a wild place and in many places looks as it did thousands of years ago.”

In line with CCA’s objective to conserve, promote and enhance the present and future availability of those coastal resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the general public, habitat restoration con-tinues to be a major focus around the state. Over the last several years, hundreds of CCA members have volunteered countless hours on habitat restoration projects and on helping acquire the funding for those projects. Without these volunteers and the increasingly im-portant habitat restoration efforts, both our habitat and our fisheries would suffer greatly. Based on this, CCA regularly recognizes in Sea-Watch some of the people that have gone above and beyond to help protect and restore our fragile coastal resources.

For more information or to recommend a CCA member as a Habitat Hero, please contact Frank Gidus at [email protected].

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PARTNERSHIPS AT WORK Check out our members (including our Director of Habitat and Environmental Restoration, Frank Gidus, and his family) bagging oysters with UF/IFAS and Hernando County this season. They bagged nearly 300 oyster bags in two hours to help restore oysters in Centipede Bay in Hernando County.

THE 2018 TRASH TOUR IS COMINGMake plans to join us for any stop on the 2018 Trash Tour! Last year, volunteers collected over 10 tons of trash and damaging debris from state waterways.

Be a part of this effort! Mark your calendars now:Ft. Lauderdale - April 21Big Pine Key - May 12Tampa - July 21Apalachicola - September 8Charlotte Harbor - October 27

Interested in getting in on the volunteer action? Email us! [email protected]

LIVING SHORELINE STABILIZATION DAYIn February, over 50 of you joined the University of Central Florida and Coastal & Estuarine Ecology Lab in to stabilize the shoreline at Seminole Rest on Mosquito Lagoon in Oak Hill. We planted 150 plants and deployed 100 shell bags in one hour, an in an effort to restore a battered shoreline. Seminole Rest consists of several prehistoric shell mounds dating from 2,000 BC to 1565 AD. This living shoreline res-toration project was to re-stabilize the shoreline following heavy damage by Hurricane Irma.


www.power-pole.com

PP-SeawatchMagazine-PowerYou_8.5x11.125.indd 1 6/19/2015 9:07:47 AM

18 S E A W A T C H • S P R I N G 2 0 1 8

11. CCA /South Walton Artificial Reef Association, Inc. Reefs2. CCA/BCT Billy’s Barge Artificial Reef3. CCA/UF/IFAS Centipede Bay Oyster Reef Restoration4. CCA/BCT Sean Gucken Memorial Reef5. CCA/BCT/Tampa Bay Watch Fantasy Island Oyster Restoration6. CCA/BCT/Tampa Bay Watch 2D Island Oyster Restoration7. CCA/FWC Suncoast Youth Conservation Center Saltwater Pond8. CCA/Lake County Landfill Oyster Shell Recycling Program9. CCA/UCF De Soto National Memorial Living Shoreline Stabilization10. CCA/BCT Larry Borden Artificial Reef – Manatee County11. CCA/BCT Phoenix Reef12. CCA/BCT/Lee County Punta Rassa Oyster Restoration13. CCA/BCT/Lee County San Carlos Bay Oyster Restoration14. CCA/Lee County USS Mohawk CGC Reef – Veterans Memorial Reef15. CCA/UNF Florida Bay Turtle Grass Research Project16. CCA Florida Bay Seagrass Restoration17. CCA Broward Chapter – John Michael Baker Memorial Reef18. CCA/BCT Goggle Eye Reef19. CCA/BCT Andrew “Red” Harris Foundation Reef20. CCA/BCT Andrew “Red” Harris Foundation “No Shoes” Reef21. CCA/Florida Oceanographic Society Seagrass and Oyster Restoration22. CCA Indian River Lagoon RISSA Seagrass Buoys and Oyster Restoration23. CCA/Brevard County Artificial Reefs24. CCA/UCF Mosquito Lagoon Oyster Restoration25. CCA/UCF/NPS Canaveral Nat’l Seashore Indian Midden Living Shoreline Restoration26. CCA/BCT Volusia County Reef Site No. 12 (Lady Philomena cargo ship)27. CCA/UCF Tomoka State Park Indian Midden Living Shoreline Restoration28. CCA/BCT Jacksonville River Reef29. CCA/BCT Jacksonville Offshore Reef

HABITAT PROJECTS


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2017 CCA/Swamp Head Brewery Trash Tour Coastal Cleanups

2018 CCA/Swamp Head Brewery Trash Tour Coastal Cleanups

HABITAT PROJECTS

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20 S E A W A T C H • S P R I N G 2 0 1 8

The name Maverick Boats is synonymous with performance

skiffs, the fishing community, and most recently, with CCA

Florida. Maverick Boat Group – the Florida-based builder of

brands including Maverick, Pathfinder, Hewes and Cobia – has

quietly partnered with CCA Florida to support conservation

efforts for more than 30 years. But in 2018, the manufacturer

has stepped up in a big way to extend their commitment and

dedication to industry growth and environmental restoration.

( c on t i nued on page 22 )

A NATURAL PARTNERSHIP: MAVERICK BOAT GROUP AND CCA FLORIDA

“Our partners and members

are the lifeblood of our

organization and we couldn’t

do the work we do without

their ongoing support, both

financially and through their

volunteerism. The support

from the team at Maverick

Boat Group doesn’t stop

with a check – they also

donate their time and talents.

They’re extremely

dedicated to the cause.”

Brian Gorski, CCA Florida Executive Director

Scott Deal is more than a boat builder. An advocate and vocal industry leader, Deal has been a thoughtful and powerful voice, elevating the importance of recreational fishing, boat-ing and marine fisheries management for the culture and economy since the mid-1980s.

In 2013, Deal was named co-chair of the Commission on Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Management, which is also referred to as the Morris-Deal Commission, named for Deal and his co-chair Johnny Morris, founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops. Over the years, the Commission has worked to have the priorities of the recreational fishing and boating com-munities heard by federal policymakers. In 2014, the Commission released ‘A Vision for Managing America’s Saltwater Recreational Fisheries’ which included key policy changes to share the economic and conservation benefits of recreational fishing to the nation – and governing leadership.

The recommendations set forth by the Commission continue to be at the forefront of discussions surrounding the nation’s law governing federal fisheries management and the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Elevating Industry Leadership


“Every time you get out on the

saltwater in Florida and catch

a fish, CCA Florida has had a

hand in making that experience

happen. Given the ever-increasing

headwinds facing the marine

environment and recreational

anglers’ rights, now more than

ever it makes sense that MBG

would grow its longstanding

relationship with CCA. We are

proud of our partnership and

know that CCA will do even

more to benefit our customers

and all those who fish Florida’s

waters.”

Scott Deal, CEO of MBG

22 S E A W A T C H • S P R I N G 2 0 1 8

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Maverick Boat Group CEO Scott Deal led the organization’s recent expansion of its commitment to CCA Florida, aimed at furthering the nonprofit’s ability to enhance habitat and environmental restoration efforts and continue leading support of industry is-sues affecting recreational anglers.

In recent years, CCA Florida has sub-stantially increased its leadership of projects including offshore and nearshore reef devel-opment as well as shoreline stabilization and oyster reef restoration projects. With other partners, the non-profit has invested more than $300,000 in projects around the state that create new habitat or enhance existing habitat for marine species of all kinds, just in the last three years, and hundreds of thou-sands of dollars in total. Members have led projects from the panhandle to Key West, with representatives from Maverick Boat Group by their side.

The expanded agreement includes the annual donation of two brand new boats, in-

cluding a Maverick 17 HPX-S and a Pathfinder 2200 TRS for CCA Florida’s statewide boat raffle, which directly benefits habitat work and other projects throughout the state. And if that wasn’t enough, the brand is also donat-ing a new Hewes 16’ Redfisher and Pathfind-er 2200 TRS to CCA Florida STAR, presented by Yamaha, the organization’s signature 101-day statewide fishing competition which runs from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day.

And Deal isn’t just writing checks. He’s one of the most vocal and involved leaders in the industry, having been a part of nearly ev-ery legislative discussion surrounding anglers’ rights since the late-1980s. He co-chairs the Commission on Saltwater Recreational Fish-eries Management, and continues to push for key policy changes to this day.

CCA Florida was built on partnerships with the community and members – all work-ing together for a common goal. And with the generous support of Maverick Boat Group, the good work and positive outcomes will continue to grow and create opportunities for generations to come to enjoy Florida’s marine resources.

A Natural Partnershipcon t i nued f rom page 20

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24 S E A W A T C H • S P R I N G 2 0 1 8

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In partnership with Harte Research Institute, program seeks to assist future leaders in conservation-based marine science

Shimano and Coastal Conservation As-sociation have announced a partnership to fund four scholarships dedicated to stu-dents furthering their marine science edu-cation at the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies (HRI) at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

“Science has long been a cornerstone for our corporate fish conservation initia-tives,” said Phil Morlock, vice president of Government Affairs /Advocacy for Shimano. “We are proud to expand our partnership with CCA and HRI to encourage college student anglers to enter the profession of

marine fishery sciences.”CCA and HRI have a long history of joint

efforts designed to improve understanding of the marine environment and enhance the role that recreational anglers can play as stewards of our shared marine resources. Those efforts include creation of the Cen-ter for Sportfish Science and Conservation housed within HRI. Under the direction of Dr. Greg Stunz, the mission of CSSC is to advance knowledge of marine sportfish and promote conservation through science-based fisheries management.

“Our long history with HRI combined with the leadership role Shimano has taken in the conservation arena make this an in-spiring partnership,” said Patrick Murray, president of CCA. “We’ve had tremendous success collaborating with marine science institutes like HRI and others in the past, and this scholarship program will create continued opportunities in the future. Sci-ence is at the core of formulating all our

policy decisions, so helping to ensure the best and brightest of the next generation have everything they need to continue their education is a win for marine resources and for anglers.”

“As a recipient of a CCA scholarship, I know the value this kind of support can provide students striving to reach their full potential in this challenging field,” Dr. Stunz said. “It is truly inspiring to partner with CCA and Shimano in a program that is designed as an investment in the future. The need for robust science to serve as the key underpinning to fisheries management is only going to increase in the future, and the students of today will be the ones to develop it.”

The application process for the Shimano-CCA Marine Science Scholarship program will open May 1, 2018. For more information, con-tact [email protected].

and CCA Launch National Marine Science Scholarship Program


26 S E A W A T C H • S P R I N G 2 0 1 8

past

cha

irman


Patience may be a disappearing art. Our cul-ture, and the machines that assist us, demand nearly immediate response. Gone are the days when business can wait on a letter to be deliv-ered and a response to be sent. Opportunities come and go -- sometimes faster than an email can be read on our ever-present smart phones and tablets.

Conservation ideas can be spread at the speed of light. Plans can be made, problems iden-tified, funding secured, and partners sought in minutes. But change cannot occur with the push of a button. Habitat projects take time. Lots of time. Restoration projects take longer.

When it comes to Florida’s conservation projects, we must embrace a long-term approach. We must carefully vet ideas and be prepared for some to fail or prove themselves unworthy of action. But we must never lose sight of our goal: to protect our marine environment, improve it where we can, and restore it where we must. We will not live to see some projects completed. And our children may not either. The art of patience must be taught to the next generation who, like us, may never see the fruits of their labors.

Nearly thirteen years ago, I began a quest to catch a bonefish on a fly rod. I made every mis-take possible, and some of them twice. I over-shot my target and “lined” schools of previously content bonefish. I stepped on fly lines, caused wind knots, and even had a knot fail. But bone-fishing is fun, even if you are not catching. A little perseverance went a long way.

Now I have children aged ten and thirteen. They can tie and cast flies better than I. But they know little about patience, and in their world, failure to shift attention every 15 seconds can have terrible consequences. Perseverance is not always encouraged, and our children are taught to find something that comes more naturally if they are not immediately successful. This spring, my kids will begin their own quests to catch a bonefish on a fly rod. But bonefishing is fun, even if they are not catching.

But what will drive the next generation to complete long-term projects? How do we make preservation and restoration fun, even if we nev-er see results? Perhaps we should view loss of habitat as “the enemy”, endangering our business, our fun and our future. A war to be won, even if today’s soldiers will not live to see victory.

There is a place for every conservationist in Florida’s future. CCA is committed to long-term results, and other groups are equally committed. We have habitat and restoration projects under-way all over the state. Some will be finished and results immediately apparent. Some will not be done for decades. The art of patience, or as one of my friends puts it, “the art of getting there”, cannot be lost. It cannot be lost in our squabbles over process. It cannot be lost or the future will be lost. And what should bring us together is the next generation of conservationists, for whom the art of patience may be akin to learning latin. Tempus Fugit.

past

cha

irman WHAT’S NEXT ?

The CCA Custom Hatch Finatic Reel

Order now and receive a Hatch Buff and Decal

ccaflorida.org/hatch

HATCH 7 Plus Model

(7 wt - 9 wt)

Limited Edition of 60 Reels

Bruce AebelPast Chairman

28 S E A W A T C H • S P R I N G 2 0 1 8

STAR entries come in all shapes and sizes. Check out these entries and several winners from the 2017 STAR event.

pic

ture

it

Ed Ellett and family

Jim & Jack Walker

Corrine North Fuller

Jace Canstantari

Lucas Engle

Kelly Azzinaro


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T O F U N D C C A C O N S E R V A T I O N E F F O R T S . A V A I L A B L E N O W A T A F T C O . C O M .

CCA SOL IDO SUN MASKU P F 4 0 B L O C K S 9 7 . 5 % O F T H E

S U N ’ S H A R M F U L U V R A Y S .

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30 S E A W A T C H • S P R I N G 2 0 1 8

Official camo of CCA Florida and Florida STAR and proud sponsor of a $25,000 youth scholarship

For: CCA Florida Due: 4/4/18

Upload: Email to - [email protected] *Email me any comments or Corrections*

1782-18A CCA Florida_Fishing.indd 1 4/4/18 2:07 PM


F W C L a w E n f o r c e m e n t U p d a t e

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation

Commission is responsible for many

things in order to achieve their stated

mission: “Managing fish and wildlife resources

for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.”

Law enforcement is a primary focus in that

mission. We all understand that without strong

enforcement, the rules and regulations we work so hard to

pass do nothing. CCA Florida is proud to

continue our regular feature in Sea Watch;

The FWC Law Enforcement Update. Please remember you can do your part by reporting all fish and

wildlife violations to the FWC at

888-404-FWCC (3922) Cellular phone users, call *FWC or #FWC.

FWC Division of Law Enforcement Achieves Reaccreditation

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Divi-sion of Law Enforcement received recognition in February for com-pleting the review process to main-tain its accreditation status. The FWC was initially accredited in 2009. This was its fourth comple-tion of the accreditation process.

Florida law enforcement accredi-tation is certified by an independent reviewing authority, the Commis-sion for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA). There are ap-proximately 240 prescribed stan-dards reflecting best management practices that a law enforcement agency must consistently meet or exceed over a three-year period in order to achieve this status.

An accreditation assessment team composed of law enforce-ment representatives from other accredited Florida law enforcement agencies conducted on-site inspec-tions of the division’s procedures, policies, practices and equipment to determine compliance. The team visited FWC headquarters in Tal-lahassee and several other offices

around the state, interviewing indi-viduals, reviewing written materials and observing activity.

Congratulations to the FWC.

Take an Active Role in Conservation

You can now take an active role in conservation by reporting fish and wildlife observations to the FWC Reporter app. This new app connects you directly to FWC experts, and al-lows you to report a range of sight-ings from fish kills to exotic species, to trapped or injured wildlife.

Download the free FWC Re-porter app on your smartphone or tablet today.

Have You Ever Seen a Smalltooth Sawfish?

Often mistaken for sharks, sawfish are rays with a long snout that looks like a hedge-trimmer. The Smalltooth Sawfish is the only species found in the U.S., with the current population residing only in South Florida and the Bahamas.

The unique toothed snout left the species vulnerable to bycatch in net fisheries, so it was protected in Florida in 1992 and listed as En-

dangered in 2003.To promote recovery, a team

led by FWC scientist Dr. Gregg Poulakis started studying juveniles in the Charlotte Harbor estuarine system. Help our scientists by reporting any sawfish encounters - [email protected], by phone at 844-4SAWFISH or through the FWCReporter app.

Spring is Peak Mating Season for Horseshoe Crabs

Horseshoe crabs mate year-round, and it’s common to see groups along the shore in March and April. To identify mating pairs, look for a smaller male on top of a larger female. Beachgoers will likely have the best luck spotting horse-shoe crabs around high tide, within three days of a full or new moon.

Your sighting reports provide important information about popu-lation distribution to the FWC. Al-though horseshoe crabs have exist-ed for about 450 million years, their numbers have declined due to over-fishing and loss of habitat. Report sightings to [email protected], by phone at 866-252-9326 or through the FWCReporter app.

Way Too Many and Way Too BigA call to the Wildlife Alert Program alerted Officer Balgo of the FWC of suspicious fishing activity involv-

ing three subjects taking numerous black drum. After observing the subjects, he approached them to conduct a fisheries inspection, which showed that the anglers were in possession of eighteen oversized black drum. This is well over the allowable limit for this species. These violators were cited accordingly. If you suspect a fish, wildlife, boating, or environmental law violation, help us support legal anglers and conserve our natural resources by reporting it to our Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922).

For: CCA Florida Due: 4/4/18

Upload: Email to - [email protected] *Email me any comments or Corrections*

1782-18A CCA Florida_Fishing.indd 1 4/4/18 2:07 PM

32 S E A W A T C H • S P R I N G 2 0 1 8

Presented by Yamahabanquet scheduleMAYPanama City Banquet Thursday, May 10The Panama City Chapter wel-comes you to our 6th Annual Banquet and Auction. We’ll be at The Majestic Beach Resort this year with an incredible evening planned. Join us at a party for a cause! Come for the two-hour open bar, deli-cious dinner, raffles, auctions and fellowship. For additional information, please con-tact Amanda Krpan at (407) 401-7675.

Homestead Banquet Thursday, May 17Join us in celebrating the Homestead Chapter’s 3rd Annual Banquet and Auction at Schnebly Redland’s Winery & Brewery! Schnebly’s was an amazing host of last year’s event and we are very excited to be returning in 2018! This event is sponsored by Sports-man’s Adventures, Chevy Florida Insider Fishing Report, and Contender Boats and is definitely one party you don’t want to miss! For additional in-formation, please contact Nick Pectol at (321) 271-7723.

CCA Florida STAR Begins Saturday, May 26Join in a summer filled with fishing and fun! Competition entry is $35 for current CCA members for 101-days of fish-ing. Inshore and offshore divi-sions with nearly $500,000 in prizes and college scholarships up for grabs! For additional in-formation, please contact Leiza Fitzgerald (844) 387-7827.

JUNEInter Chapter Challenge Friday & Saturday, June 22 & 23The 15th Annual CCA Florida Inter Chapter Challenge (ICC) is scheduled for June 22 & 23, 2018 at River Palm Cottages and Fish Camp in Jensen Beach. The ICC was started in 2004 to bring members together from all over the state to share ideas, talk about their individ-ual chapters and have a great day on the water. This is a great event for the entire family! The 2018 event will again feature an inshore and offshore divi-sion as well as a youth, fly and ladies divisions. Please vis-it ccaflorida.org to download the complete rules and entry list. For additional information, please contact Brian Gorski at (407) 401-7670.

AUGUSTPasco Banquet Thursday, August 30The 26th annual Pasco Ban-quet kicks off our fall banquet season, back at The Spartan Manor! Tickets are $85 per person, $150 per couple, and corporate sponsorships start at $1,000. For additional infor-mation, please contact Steve Bowler at (727) 919-6191.

SEPTEMBERForgotten Coast Banquet Thursday, September 6The 2nd Annual Forgotten Coast Banquet will be held

at the Centennial Building in Port St. Joe. Forgotten Coast - we’re coming at ya! The evening’s dinner will be catered, and the drinks will be free! Tell your friends and come support your Forgotten Coast Chapter. Seating is lim-ited, so get your tickets now! For additional information, please contact Amanda Krpan at (407) 401-7675.

Space Coast Banquet Thursday, September 6Please make plans now to join us on September 7 for the 26th Annual CCA Space Coast Banquet and Auction presented by Boniface-Hiers Automotive Group! Tickets are just $100 per person and $175 per couple. The party starts at 6 p.m. with an open bar at the Melbourne Audi-torium! For additional infor-mation, please contact Rob Beckner at (321) 863-3226 or Jeff Dobbertien at (904) 982-4144.

Pinellas Banquet Thursday, November 15The Pinellas Banquet will be held at the Gulfport Casino Ballroom! This historic event space is something you will have to see to believe! Tick-ets are $90 per person or $170 per couple. Corporate and reserved tables begin at $1,250 for a table of eight. For additional information, please contact Jim Suomi at (727) 244-9474 or Christine Suomi at (727) 643-7375.

Eagles Banquet and AuctionFriday, September 15The 3rd Annual CCA Eagles Banquet begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 15th! We have a great venue, the Cohen Center, conveniently located at the heart of the FGCU Cam-pus! Add in an open bar and this is going to be one party you do not want to miss! This event will include an exciting live and silent auction as well as an extensive raffle that will include: local, out-of-state, and exotic fishing/hunting trips, fish and wildlife artwork, sculp-tures, jewelry, a Hell’s Bay Skiff, a Pathfinder Bay Boat, a Con-tender Offshore Boat, Yamaha Outboards, fishing tackle, and much more! This event is expected to sell out, as the Eagles Chapter takes its place as the best college chapter in the state! See you there! Go Eagles! For additional informa-tion contact Amy Kuehnert at (407) 401-7680.

Gainesville Banquet Thursday, September 20The 28th annual Gainesville Banquet presented by Merrill Lynch will be at The Swamp’s Touchdown Terrace! Tickets are going for just $80 each and include a delicious dinner ca-tered by Wahoo Seafood Grill, CCA Membership, live auction, raffles, silent auction, and so much more! Buy your spon-sor tables before July 27th for a $100 discount! Did we men-tion refillable drink cups?! Get your spot before we sell out! For additional information, please contact Amanda Krpan at (407)401-7675 or Mark Hurm at (352) 378-9422.


South Palm Beach Banquet Thursday, September 27Join us for the 7th Annual CCA South Palm Beach Banquet & Auction presented by Eastern Metal Supply! We will be at the beautiful Seagate Country Club this year, and you will not want to miss it! Space is limited, so please remember to purchase your tables well in advance. The party starts at 6 p.m.! Tickets are $130 per person or a 10-seat corporate table is $1,600. For additional information please contact Nick Pectol at (407) 401-7677.

Seminoles Banquet Friday, September 29The CCA Seminoles Banquet begins at 6:00 PM on Friday, Sep-tember 29th! We will have a great venue (TBD), that will be conve-niently located close to the FSU campus! Add in an open bar and this is going to be one party you do not want to miss! This event will include an exciting live and silent auction as well as an ex-tensive raffle that will include: lo-cal, out-of-state, and exotic fish-ing/hunting trips, fish and wildlife artwork, sculptures, jewelry, a Hell’s Bay Skiff, a Pathfinder Bay Boat, a Contender Offshore Boat, Yamaha outboards, fishing tackle, and much more! Come out and support the FSU chap-ter for their second ever event and don’t forget to invite your friends! For additional informa-tion contact Amy Kuehnert at (407) 401-7680.

OCTOBEROrlando Banquet Thursday, October 4The Thirty Second Annual CCA Orlando Banquet presented by Winter Park Construction is sure to be bigger and better than ever! A black tie event without the black ties! Join your friends and fellow anglers for the par-ty of the year in a convenient downtown Winter Park loca-tion! Tickets are $200 per per-son and reserved tables begin at $2,500. For additional informa-tion please contact Dan Askin at (407) 401-7671

Treasure Coast BBQ Friday, October 12Come on out to the Treasure Coast BBQ at the Walking Tree Brewery! There will be free beer and great BBQ! Tickets are just $50 and include CCA member-ship! For additional information please contact Paul Fafeita at (772) 473-8475.

Dade Banquet Thursday, October 18Join us for the 33rd Annual CCA Dade Chapter Banquet & Auc-tion presented by Contender Boats! We will be drawing the winner of the 2018 Contender 28 Tournament Edition Center Console at the banquet! Join us at the Coral Gables Country Club and be a part of this excit-ing event! Be sure to purchase your table early, as we are antici-pating a huge event this year. For additional information, please contact Kathleen Marrero at (305) 371-3835 or Nick Pectol at (407) 401-7677.

34 S E A W A T C H • S P R I N G 2 0 1 8

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A quick search on the popular boating discussion boards for “boat cleaning tips” reveals that everyone and their brother has a concoction for cleaning a boat that is “bet-ter” than the products sold at marine stores. But is it? A mixture of bleach, dish soap, and water or a bottle of toilet bowl cleaner may seem to get the job done, so why not use it - are there downsides to going the cheap route? The short answer is “Yes, there are.” We feel that properly cleaning your boat’s surface is so important CCA has named Star brite® as CCA’s Official Boat Cleaning part-ner. For 45 years, Star brite has been manu-facturing the highest-quality hull and deck cleaners, boat wash, marine polish, cleaner wax, vinyl cleaner, teak care kit, Star Tron en-zyme fuel treatment and more. These prod-ucts are developed, used and sold by boaters for boaters. As a result, they represent the most effective products you can buy.

Why use a Star brite® product versus an easy mixture that you buddy recommended? Bleach and dish soap are toxic to our marine environment. Bleach is very caustic, with the

potential to harm your skin or eyes if splashed and if it is introduced to the water bleach will kill marine life. Liquid dish soap containing phosphates can cause algae blooms, strips off the polish you spent hours applying, requires a significant amount of fresh water to rinse away and can etch fiberglass over time.

There’s always a strong temptation to use whatever cleaning agents are handy, but if the less expensive ingredients such as vin-egar, laundry bleach or swimming pool acid were the best choice to accomplish the spe-cific cleaning task and would not damage the boat or be dangerous to use, manufacturers would use them if only to increase profits. Star brite® products are engineered to get the job down quickly without negative ef-fects. Muriatic acid and toilet bowl cleaners are great for cleaning porcelain and pool surfaces, but are way too caustic and po-tentially dangerous to the user for regular use on porous fiberglass or painted surfaces. Star brite® products are the most effective cleaners to get the job done while protect-ing your boat and the environment, and are

created by chemists with many years of ex-perience and training.

Star brite’s website (www.starbrite.com) features virtually every product imaginable for your boat maintenance and cleaning needs, as well as products for RVs, homes, motorcycles, cars and more. Manufactured at the company’s 350,000 sq. ft. facility in Montgomery, Alabama, Star brite® products are distributed to a wide network of retail-ers worldwide. You can find Star brite and Star Tron products at most marine stores as well as at many big-box retailers.

Because there is a science to cleaning your boat correctly, the company has post-ed an ever-increasing number of instruc-tional videos on the website and on the Star brite® YouTube channel. If you can’t find the info you need, call their Tech Sup-port line Monday through Friday from 9-5 at (800) 327-8583.

Best of all, in addition to making products you can rely on to get the job done, Star brite is also a major supporter of CCA Florida.

Wash Away The Myths About Boat Cleaning


36 S E A W A T C H • S P R I N G 2 0 1 8

Documents

THE PUBLICATION DEDICATED TO CONSERVING AND … · Florida, fundraise and support local chapter leadership. And with more involvement from our state chapters, comes more positive